2022 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2022 Kia EV6 presented a strikingly sporty and svelte design, reminiscent of a Ford Mustang Mach-E, with a lower and wider stance that visually enhanced its appeal. Its short highback tail featured a lip spoiler doubling as a lightbar, while the wheels were pushed to the chassis's furthest corners, giving the body a distinct, hip-like appearance. The EV6's voluptuous curves, akin to those on a Porsche 911, added both style and stability. The headlights, with their V-shaped pattern, mirrored the black trim below, which mimicked sealed air intakes. The car's wedgy profile, with an angled roofline and twin ducts in the rear spoiler, combined with a smooth lower body, especially in matte silver paint, made it a visual delight. The interior boasted dual 12-inch screens, a floating centre console, and seats covered in faux suede and leather, creating a futuristic yet car-first aesthetic.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs, with a restyled front end. The updated Lincoln Embrace nighttime welcome illumination sequence added a touch of elegance. However, the new Audi-esque grille, with its Lincoln star and chrome detailing, was seen as a rare misstep, lacking the elegance and presence of its predecessor. Inside, the Navigator dazzled with quality materials and a mid-century modern design, featuring Lincoln’s Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme. The new Sync 4 infotainment system, with a larger 13.2-inch touchscreen, enhanced the tech experience, while the Navigator continued to offer standard and long-wheelbase styles with Reserve as the sole trim level in Canada.

The 2022 Kia EV6, particularly in its GT-Line e-AWD configuration, delivered impressive performance with its dual electric motors producing 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque. This setup allowed the EV6 to accelerate to 60 mph in a claimed 4.6 seconds, with a 77.4 kWh battery providing a low centre of gravity for agile handling. The upcoming GT trim promised even more power with 576 hp and a 0-60 time of less than 3.5 seconds. The EV6's regenerative braking system offered over eight settings, allowing for one-pedal driving in its maximum I-Pedal setting. However, the cold weather significantly impacted its driving range, with the EV6 achieving only 65 percent of Kia's 441-kilometre estimate in below-freezing temperatures. Charging performance was commendable, with the EV6 accepting up to 240 kW, though real-world charging speeds were lower due to network limitations.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator retained its twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive in Canada. The Navigator's towing capacity ranged between 3,674 and 3,765 kilograms, depending on configuration. The adaptive-damping suspension, with Road Preview technology, enhanced ride comfort by preparing for road imperfections. The Navigator's electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel, while its performance in snow and mud was impressive, thanks to its 24.5 centimetres of ground clearance and appropriate driving modes. Fuel consumption was rated at 13.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with the Navigator averaging 12.6 L/100 km during testing.

The 2022 Kia EV6 featured innovative design elements, such as pop-out door handles, paddle shifters, and a twisting rotary shifter. The climate controls and stereo shortcuts were combined in a thin touchscreen, which could be frustrating to use while driving. The EV6 offered generous legroom and headroom, with reclining rear seats and optional heated cushions. However, its cargo space was limited, with 690 litres behind the seats and 1,322 litres when folded. The EV6's towing capacity was rated at 1,043 kilograms, and it featured an onboard power generator for 120-volt equipment.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator continued to offer exceptionally comfortable front seats with 30-way power adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massaging functions. The second-row captain’s chairs were newly massaging, heated, and ventilated, while the third-row seat remained roomy and supportive. The Navigator's cargo space was generous, with 546 litres behind the third-row seat, 1,627 litres with it folded, and a maximum of 2,925 litres with the second-row seats collapsed. The long-wheelbase Navigator L offered even more cargo space, with 972 litres behind the third row and a maximum of 3,403 litres.

The 2022 Kia EV6's infotainment system was user-friendly, with quick settings adjustments and connectivity options, though wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a wired connection. The instrument panel displayed vehicles in surrounding lanes and live feeds of blind spots when changing lanes. The 360-degree surround-view cameras were sharp and clear, and the head-up display used augmented reality for navigation. The highest trim featured a 14-speaker Meridian stereo and a remote parking assist system.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator's new Sync 4 infotainment system featured a 13.2-inch touchscreen, offering two data panels for navigation and music details. The system supported Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay, with about 80 individual vehicle settings that could be saved to a user profile. The voice recognition system was improved, though not perfect. The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system included Amazon Fire TV, providing access to streaming services. The optional 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system delivered sensational sound quality.

The 2022 Kia EV6 lacked published test results from safety organizations, but it came equipped with impressive safety tech, including forward collision avoidance assist, lane keep assist, driver attention warning, and rear occupant alert. Higher trims offered blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and 360 cameras.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced new driver assistance systems, such as Intersection Assist, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. The surround-view camera system became standard. Intersection Assist could automatically brake in unsafe conditions, while Active Park Assist 2.0 allowed the Navigator to park itself. ActiveGlide, a semi-autonomous driving technology, was approved for use on over 200,000 kilometres of North American roads, though it required driver attention at all times.